Richard Petty Biography

Race Car Driver (1937–)

Richard Petty is a champion NASCAR driver who was nicknamed "The King" for his record setting Daytona 500 and NASCAR championship wins.

Synopsis

Richard Petty was born on July 2, 1937 in Level Cross, North Carolina. Following in his father Lee Petty's footsteps, Richard began professional car racing in 1958. During his career he was nicknamed "The King" for winning the Daytona 500 and the NASCAR national championship each seven times during 1964–1981. In all, Petty accumulated 200 victories before retiring in 1992. Richard's son, Kyle Petty, also became a NASCAR driver.

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Career Highlights

Athlete and stock-car racing driver Richard Petty was born in Level Cross, North Carolina, USA. Beginning professional car racing in 1958, he became the holder of numerous National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) records. He won the Daytona 500 and the NASCAR national championship each seven times during 1964–1981. With over 200 victories, he started more races, won more races, and made more money than any stock-car driver in history. His great popularity and financial success earned him his nickname, and on his final professional race in 1992 President George Bush made a point of being present. After retiring, Richard Petty made an unsuccessful attempt as a television broadcaster for stock-car racing. He also became an operating owner before passing the torch to his son, Kyle Petty, a decade later.

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